Do it for the kids! Help the Illinois State chapter of College Mentors for Kids continue to make a difference in the lives of local youth by participating in the organization’s 10th annual 5K Walk/Run for the Kids, Saturday, April 11, registration at 1 p.m., race at 2 p.m. on the Illinois State Quad (in front of Schroeder Hall).

Registration is $20 and includes a Kotis Design event T-shirt (get a long-sleeve shirt for $5 more), refreshments, and entrance fees. WALK2CLASS is providing cash prizes for first ($100), second ($75), and third place ($50) finishers.

This fundraiser is the largest of the year for the organization, which must hit its $30,000 goal to fund annual programming costs, including busing students from grades 1-5 to campus, purchasing supplies, and participating in activities at the University and Bloomington-Normal communities.

About College Mentors for Kids
College Mentors for Kids is a nonprofit organization that motivates kids and college students to reach their full potential and positively impact the community. Illinois State’s chapter is the only one of its kind in the state. Each week, the organization brings nearly 200 elementary-level students—known to members as “little buddies”—from District 87 schools to Illinois State’s campus.

Last year's 5K fundraiser helped the student organization to continue its work in serving as mentors for local youths in Bloominton-Normal.

Last year’s 5K fundraiser helped the student organization to fund this year’s work in serving as mentors for almost 200 local youths in Bloomington-Normal.

Each little buddy is paired with a college mentor, who strives each week of the academic year to serve as the best friend, mentor, and role model to their mentee that they can be. The mentors teach their little buddies all about higher education and careers, community service, and culture and diversity. Together, they gain a deeper understanding of the University and Bloomington-Normal communities. Learn more about College Mentors for Kids by visiting their site, following them on Facebook, Twitter @ILSTU_CMFK, Instagram @ILSTU_CMFK, or check out the Facebook page for the fundraiser.

What: 10th annual 5K Walk/Run for the Kids
When: Saturday, April 11; Registration at 1 p.m., race starts at 2 p.m.
Where: Illinois State Quad (in front of Schroeder Hall)
Registration (required): $20–$25